I realize that I lack consistency. I live my life in a state of organized chaos. Or at least in my imagination I do. I will not horrify you by posting a picture of what my desk looks like, or my kitchen counters, or the laundry room for that matter. And I most certainly will not be showing you my bedroom! But I would like to be more consistent. I would like to post to this amazing (yeah that's what I am going with today) little blog at least twice a week. Will that happen? Probably not. Would I post more regularly if my computer wasn't crap and didn't take 2 1/2 hours to load one page? Maybe. Maybe not. The world will never know.
Today I will focus on nothing. Absolutely nothing. I wanted to zero in on some sort of an amazing topic. But I have got nothing. Little Red refuses to nap. All I can hear right now in my head are the sounds of her whining about this or that or the other. Now I am not complaining about taking care of my amazing little offspring. Don't get me wrong. I love and adore my kids. Maybe too much sometimes.
I don't have a job outside the home (unless you are willing to count my couponing and grocery shopping work, which they are work). I haven't had a paying job for over a year now. Sometimes those 4-6 hour shifts were such a pain in the... well you know. Other times I craved them. Just to have some time out of the house to talk to adults, and feel like more than a mom. Every now and again I consider getting a job outside the home. Something little that doesn't consume a lot of time. But with 3 minions and a Side O Beef that works long hours, our family time has become precious. I don't want to lose out on that. But I need something. Something for me. Something meaningful. Something fun!
Last weekend, I left the Side O Beef at home with the minions and ventured out into the world. Childless and alone. I made a decision. I am ready. Ready to devote a few hours a week to a new hobby. And its not drinking. I considered it(trust me I considered it!), but that gets costly. And really what is the outcome? Oh yeah, My vacation! Well, I am not yet ready for that vacation.
So instead, I signed up for a cake decorating class! Yup, Me! Its been a hobby for some time now. Heck, I even have a tool box of cake decorating supplies thanks to MK and my Fave Uncle! But now, I want to learn proper techniques and how to make those damn roses. Self teaching yourself (is that redundant?) how to make something that you have no idea how to make is pretty hard. I have learned a lot by trial and error over the years. But I want to be good at this. Really good. The Side O Beef is rather supportive. He encouraged, while I doubted. He pushed, while I dug my heels in. But in the end he is right. I need this for me. Something just for me. I am excited!
My first class is next Monday. I am planning on keeping my amazing little blog up to date on my success and failures. If I can even keep the blog up to date! See this is where the consistency comes into play. First, I wanted to be a mom. Then I wanted to be a blogger. Next came the couponing. And now I want to be a cake decorator. Next week, I am thinking about becoming a lion tamer. Oh no, wait. That's what I already am with these minions it seems. Geez they are crazy.
Now what was I saying? Oh, yes! Consistency. Obviously I have none. I can't even stay on one singular topic. But who likes mundane blog posts? It's much more fun to be random and hodge podge and here and there and everywhere! Or at least in my mind. And that counts for something!
Let's recount what I have accomplished today. Oh yeah, nothing. My desk is still messy. My kitchen counters still cluttered. My laundry room still full. And I still don't want to talk about my bedroom. But I did update my blog, and that has got to count for something.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Thursday, May 20, 2010
A New Plan
Today I pose this question: How do I get a sponsor? More specifically, How do I get a Vodka company to sponsor me? No, seriously. Is that possible? I don't want money or fame, I just want vodka. I would mix new drinks every week (or lemon drops, whatever). I would fully commit myself to the vodka, for really.
This point was first brought up on Fiesta Friday. Everyone agreed that it was a fantastical (which is totally a word!) idea. I think the first thing that a blogger would need to get a sponsor is, well, an active blog. I don't really fall under that category, but I would like to. I have every intent of blogging, but its a lot of work. I am not sure how people do it every single day. I prefer to spend my time cooking and eating and drinking. And I would like to do more of the drinking part of that equation. It's all very mathematical. And scientific. Math and Science, its what I am all about.
I have a new theory (which isn't a theory as my science inclined SoB would tell me, but I am still going with theory). My new theory is this: If I were to drink several drinks every day for the next few years I get a vacation! I am serious! I learned this on some weird 20/20 special or something. Technically they were warning about the dangerous effects of alcohol on mom's but that just seems a little silly. These women drank, some more seriously and dangerously than others, but they drank every day. And do you know what it got them? A six week vacation. Also known as rehab. But a vacation nonetheless.
One mom even got to start drinking again when she got home from her vacation. How cool is that? A vacation and you get to drink when you get home?
Although, I don't think that I would like a six week vacation without my SoB or my minions or my sweet nectar of the heavens (aka vodka). So maybe this isn't the right plan for me.
But I would still like a Vodka Sponsor. I currently don't drink every day or even every other day. Honestly drinking every day sounds a little exhausting. Mixing drinks is a lot of work. I mean seriously! We tip a buck for a drink when we go out. If I were to mix 10 drinks for myself in one night would someone give me $10? Oh did you want one of those drinks? That could be negotiated. Maybe. If you supplied the vodka. And still tipped me.
Oh, now for my little itty bitty disclaimer. I don't think that alcoholism is funny. I totally get that it is a legitimate issue that many people face and struggle with. And for those that struggle, I am sorry and wish you the best.
However, I don't struggle. So I like to enjoy an occasional cocktail (or 12). Nothing wrong with that. Its all about moderation. So kick your feet back tonight and enjoy a cocktail, or beer, or wine. Some sort of tasty spirit that will lift yours!
This point was first brought up on Fiesta Friday. Everyone agreed that it was a fantastical (which is totally a word!) idea. I think the first thing that a blogger would need to get a sponsor is, well, an active blog. I don't really fall under that category, but I would like to. I have every intent of blogging, but its a lot of work. I am not sure how people do it every single day. I prefer to spend my time cooking and eating and drinking. And I would like to do more of the drinking part of that equation. It's all very mathematical. And scientific. Math and Science, its what I am all about.
I have a new theory (which isn't a theory as my science inclined SoB would tell me, but I am still going with theory). My new theory is this: If I were to drink several drinks every day for the next few years I get a vacation! I am serious! I learned this on some weird 20/20 special or something. Technically they were warning about the dangerous effects of alcohol on mom's but that just seems a little silly. These women drank, some more seriously and dangerously than others, but they drank every day. And do you know what it got them? A six week vacation. Also known as rehab. But a vacation nonetheless.
One mom even got to start drinking again when she got home from her vacation. How cool is that? A vacation and you get to drink when you get home?
Although, I don't think that I would like a six week vacation without my SoB or my minions or my sweet nectar of the heavens (aka vodka). So maybe this isn't the right plan for me.
But I would still like a Vodka Sponsor. I currently don't drink every day or even every other day. Honestly drinking every day sounds a little exhausting. Mixing drinks is a lot of work. I mean seriously! We tip a buck for a drink when we go out. If I were to mix 10 drinks for myself in one night would someone give me $10? Oh did you want one of those drinks? That could be negotiated. Maybe. If you supplied the vodka. And still tipped me.
Oh, now for my little itty bitty disclaimer. I don't think that alcoholism is funny. I totally get that it is a legitimate issue that many people face and struggle with. And for those that struggle, I am sorry and wish you the best.
However, I don't struggle. So I like to enjoy an occasional cocktail (or 12). Nothing wrong with that. Its all about moderation. So kick your feet back tonight and enjoy a cocktail, or beer, or wine. Some sort of tasty spirit that will lift yours!
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
A True Story- Part Three- The Long Winded Final Chapter
When Pioneer Woman finally arrived at the podium, I could hear her perfectly. But, apparently, the other 500 people in attendance, waiting to see AND hear her could not. Ree seriously did this:
She spoke into an empty microphone stand. She was clearly embarrassed. We all know that she is a nervous public speaker and I could just imagine that this made her armpits gush. She said that hopefully there were no pictures of that embarrassing moment. But it would appear that MK got the shot! Miles rushed in a few minutes later and set up the mic for her. But at that point, she was just fine with holding it. All my hard work of standing on my tippy toes for her, trying my hardest to set the correct height of the microphone stand, was all for naught.
But I did get to see her, and somehow in my mind interact with her. We made eye contact. In that moment, I knew and she knew, that we were destined to be best friends, FOREVER! Ree and Susie. Susie and Ree. Doesn't it just sound magical? Oh? I am crazy? No, I don't think so. Oh? People normally have more than minute long conversations with their best friends? Doesn't me reading her blog count as a conversation? No? Oh. Okay, well maybe I am just a tad bit crazy. But just to be fair to my lunacy, after Ree met Sherri Shepherd (of the View) she posted on her blog that they were now really close friends, even if Sherri didn't know yet. I had told my loving Side O Beef when the book signing was announced, that once Ree met me that she would realize that we were meant to be besties. And now it has all come true. In my mind. Which somehow still sort of counts...
I know that you cant really tell in this picture, but she is looking right at me! Okay, well maybe at my Big Kid. But she is sitting next to me, so it could be me or her, the world will never know. Anyway. The reason that Ree is looking at us is because she had a Q&A segment. Yup, I am going with Segment. My Big Kid looked up at me and said, "Oh! Mommy! I have a question for Ree!" I said, "Well raise that hand on up!" (yeah that doesn't sound like how I talk at all!) So she did. And Ree called on her. I wish I had a picture of her talking to Ree, but all I could do was stare. And she said this to Ree: "I used to do... No wait..... I Do Ballet Like You Used to Ballet!" With all of the excitement and wonder that a six year old girl can muster, My Big Kid spoke to Ree! Technically, not a question. But who cares! The Big Kid spoke to Ree and Ree spoke to her. It was seriously like the highlight of it all for her! She loves that she messed it up a little. It makes telling the story all the more exciting for her. Ree replied that Ballet was an amazing activity and that she loved it. She encouraged my Big Kid to continue doing ballet. My Girl nodded in excitement. She wants Pointe shoes remember!
Ree did her Ethel Merman impression singing her heart out! It was amazing. She was so kind and funny and real. REAL! Like if it hadn't been for those other 500 some odd people there it would have almost been like her and I sitting down enjoying a coffee together. She was just so friendly, and did I mention real? After saying that she was only going to take one more question like 6 or so times, she really did stop. And it was time. IT WAS TIME!! We were going to go up to Ree and talk to her!
What to say? What do you say to your best friend when you meet them for the first time? The Big Kid and I had talked about mentioning that she only wants to eat PW recipes. We talked about telling her that my SoB (and everyone else that knows me) refers to my PW cookbook as The Bible. Which is true. It is my bible. I barely breathe without it. So when it came time to go up there. As much as I thought about it, I didn't push my girl out of the way. I let her be first. And boy was she excited!
This was us as we approached the table. I cant even remember what I said. Except to tell her that we are the crazy looney people that waited since 10 am to meet her. And that I was surprised that there were not other people waiting with us. But that it appeared she got the showing that she deserved. Yup, I am slightly crazy, maybe.
I think that my girl would have gone home with her in a heart beat. She was very impressed by her. In the back ground you can see Ree's oldest daughter. On the table you can see the picture that the Big Kid made for Ree, as well as the hair clips. Ree is writing in the Big Kid's "special journal book".
She wrote, "Love to (Big Kid's real name here)! (Heart here) Keep Dancing! =) Ree/PW"
My Girl looked at that all night and into the next day! She took it to school to show her teachers and friends. (Only one of her teachers even knows what we are talking about when we say Pioneer Woman)
This is me. Walking in front of the shot of PW and the Big Kid that MK was trying to take. (Note: The Big Kid still holding her Golden Ticket!)
This is the make up shot of Ree and the Big Kid, because I sux.
This is Ree telling me that she cannot wait for me to come to the Ranch and hang out with her! At least that's how it went in my mind. Which totally counts.
This is me and my new best friend. Don't we just look great together? Or she looks scared of me. Hard to tell.
This is me sharing my new best friend with my Big Kid. See. I can share.
This is MK talking to Ree. Telling her how to spell her name. MK saying that she is happy that Ree wants to be my bff. Or at least that is how I picture it.
This is MK with the Big Kid and Ree. The Big Kid was a fixture for picture taking. I think that she would have stayed and been in everyone's pictures all night long had we let her. She really didn't want to leave Ree.
My Friend that came to wait with us in the afternoon time. See the Big Kid? Posing, Smiling? That Big Kid really is fairly photogenic. I think that she gets that from Ree.
I was quite sad that I was not able to bring The Tank and Little Red. I know that she would have found a kindred soul and hair color in Little Red. This is what Ree missed out on:
The Tank
Little Red
Not that I feel that the explanation was a necessary one.
I will leave you with one final thought.
Ree and Me
Best Friends Forever!
She spoke into an empty microphone stand. She was clearly embarrassed. We all know that she is a nervous public speaker and I could just imagine that this made her armpits gush. She said that hopefully there were no pictures of that embarrassing moment. But it would appear that MK got the shot! Miles rushed in a few minutes later and set up the mic for her. But at that point, she was just fine with holding it. All my hard work of standing on my tippy toes for her, trying my hardest to set the correct height of the microphone stand, was all for naught.
But I did get to see her, and somehow in my mind interact with her. We made eye contact. In that moment, I knew and she knew, that we were destined to be best friends, FOREVER! Ree and Susie. Susie and Ree. Doesn't it just sound magical? Oh? I am crazy? No, I don't think so. Oh? People normally have more than minute long conversations with their best friends? Doesn't me reading her blog count as a conversation? No? Oh. Okay, well maybe I am just a tad bit crazy. But just to be fair to my lunacy, after Ree met Sherri Shepherd (of the View) she posted on her blog that they were now really close friends, even if Sherri didn't know yet. I had told my loving Side O Beef when the book signing was announced, that once Ree met me that she would realize that we were meant to be besties. And now it has all come true. In my mind. Which somehow still sort of counts...
I know that you cant really tell in this picture, but she is looking right at me! Okay, well maybe at my Big Kid. But she is sitting next to me, so it could be me or her, the world will never know. Anyway. The reason that Ree is looking at us is because she had a Q&A segment. Yup, I am going with Segment. My Big Kid looked up at me and said, "Oh! Mommy! I have a question for Ree!" I said, "Well raise that hand on up!" (yeah that doesn't sound like how I talk at all!) So she did. And Ree called on her. I wish I had a picture of her talking to Ree, but all I could do was stare. And she said this to Ree: "I used to do... No wait..... I Do Ballet Like You Used to Ballet!" With all of the excitement and wonder that a six year old girl can muster, My Big Kid spoke to Ree! Technically, not a question. But who cares! The Big Kid spoke to Ree and Ree spoke to her. It was seriously like the highlight of it all for her! She loves that she messed it up a little. It makes telling the story all the more exciting for her. Ree replied that Ballet was an amazing activity and that she loved it. She encouraged my Big Kid to continue doing ballet. My Girl nodded in excitement. She wants Pointe shoes remember!
Ree did her Ethel Merman impression singing her heart out! It was amazing. She was so kind and funny and real. REAL! Like if it hadn't been for those other 500 some odd people there it would have almost been like her and I sitting down enjoying a coffee together. She was just so friendly, and did I mention real? After saying that she was only going to take one more question like 6 or so times, she really did stop. And it was time. IT WAS TIME!! We were going to go up to Ree and talk to her!
What to say? What do you say to your best friend when you meet them for the first time? The Big Kid and I had talked about mentioning that she only wants to eat PW recipes. We talked about telling her that my SoB (and everyone else that knows me) refers to my PW cookbook as The Bible. Which is true. It is my bible. I barely breathe without it. So when it came time to go up there. As much as I thought about it, I didn't push my girl out of the way. I let her be first. And boy was she excited!
This was us as we approached the table. I cant even remember what I said. Except to tell her that we are the crazy looney people that waited since 10 am to meet her. And that I was surprised that there were not other people waiting with us. But that it appeared she got the showing that she deserved. Yup, I am slightly crazy, maybe.
I think that my girl would have gone home with her in a heart beat. She was very impressed by her. In the back ground you can see Ree's oldest daughter. On the table you can see the picture that the Big Kid made for Ree, as well as the hair clips. Ree is writing in the Big Kid's "special journal book".
She wrote, "Love to (Big Kid's real name here)! (Heart here) Keep Dancing! =) Ree/PW"
My Girl looked at that all night and into the next day! She took it to school to show her teachers and friends. (Only one of her teachers even knows what we are talking about when we say Pioneer Woman)
This is me. Walking in front of the shot of PW and the Big Kid that MK was trying to take. (Note: The Big Kid still holding her Golden Ticket!)
This is the make up shot of Ree and the Big Kid, because I sux.
This is Ree telling me that she cannot wait for me to come to the Ranch and hang out with her! At least that's how it went in my mind. Which totally counts.
This is me and my new best friend. Don't we just look great together? Or she looks scared of me. Hard to tell.
This is me sharing my new best friend with my Big Kid. See. I can share.
This is MK talking to Ree. Telling her how to spell her name. MK saying that she is happy that Ree wants to be my bff. Or at least that is how I picture it.
This is MK with the Big Kid and Ree. The Big Kid was a fixture for picture taking. I think that she would have stayed and been in everyone's pictures all night long had we let her. She really didn't want to leave Ree.
My Friend that came to wait with us in the afternoon time. See the Big Kid? Posing, Smiling? That Big Kid really is fairly photogenic. I think that she gets that from Ree.
I was quite sad that I was not able to bring The Tank and Little Red. I know that she would have found a kindred soul and hair color in Little Red. This is what Ree missed out on:
The Tank
Little Red
Not that I feel that the explanation was a necessary one.
I will leave you with one final thought.
Ree and Me
Best Friends Forever!
Friday, April 30, 2010
A True Story... Part Deux
I think that I have left you all with a more than adequate amount of suspense, so here is part two of our epic journey:
As mentioned previously, by the time my Big Kid and I had returned from our little lunch, the line had started to take shape. I called Kaye (the nice lady that watched my place in a non-existent line earlier in the day so that I could potty!) and told her that there was more than 10 people in line now. Five of those ten people was our little group! It seemed like no time at all until the line had outgrown the tape that was on the floor.
We sat and talked and watched the line. And then I decided that as it was nearing 4pm, it was time for Starbucks! My big kid and I took a journey down to the other end of the mall for our necessary poison of choice, Big kid: a hot chocolate, mine: a mocha frappuccino, MK's: some crazy concoction that I had to repeat the whole time I walked down there so as to not forget. We were caffeinated and happy. And that line it was a-growin!
Have you ever seen such a happy Big Kid? A 6 year old girl that had been waiting and sitting since 10 am and it was near 4 o'clock? Seriously! This is one amazing girl!
At 4:30, as promised, it was ticket time! Sure, there were jokes about some crazy lady and her daughter that showed up at 10 am to wait for a book signing that was not scheduled to start until 6 pm, tickets to not be handed out until just before. Jokes about how they should be sent to the back of the line that was now near 250 people long. Oh they joke. But let's see who's laughing now?
That would be us! This is my lovely group that was finally seated in proper chairs just in front of the podium where Ree would be in a few short hours! Front Row Baby!
See that girl? The Big Kid with the amazing smile on her face and still posing at nearly 5 o' clock? After 7 count them SEVEN hours, yes I said HOURS of waiting. Goodness, this girl really loves her some PW!
This is the Big Kid and her Golden Ticket. Ticket Number 1 or in this case 690020 (she still has it!). It was the consensus among the group that after such a long wait, the Big Kid would get her own ticket to get her book signed. It was also the consensus that she would get THE ticket! The very first one! And boy, oh boy, did that ever lift her spirits and make her heart sing in joy! She was ready! Ready to give Ree this (and those clips she was holding in the previous photo):
While we were waiting, Miles (the employee in charge of the tickets and set up) was overly astonished by the number of people that showed up (and continued to show up!). He had said that the employees were taking bets in the back and that the high bet was 250 people would attend. That was laughable since he had already given out nearly 350 tickets. He stopped giving out tickets and said that there was going to be a "will call" time at the end for those without tickets. I was sure glad that we didn't fall into that category! He had tried to joke that Ree's plane was delayed. We all put him in check rather quickly. Being a blogger, Ree had already posted that she was, in fact, in Portland, and not leaving her bathrobe or her hotel room until it was time to go to the book signing. These are just things that we know.
During his preparations, Miles said that he needed to set the microphone height and asked us if anyone had a clue as to how tall Ree was. About 20 people shouted, "Five Foot Nine!" Again, Miles was astonished. I guess he just didn't understand how this blogging thing really works. He asked if anyone was close to her height and MK suggested I go up there! ME! Set the Microphone stand height for Ree! WOW! Well I took my Five Foot Eight self up there. And then stood on my very highest tippy toes, as we all knew that Ree would NOT be wearing flats!
We continued to sit and wait, the Big Kid and I doing a count down. She took turns asking me and MK when it was going to be 6 o' clock. And 6 o' clock came and went. Miles announced that Ree was running late. He joked that her limo broke down and she would be arriving by helicopter. The Big Kid thought that was amazing, she got even more excited!
And then it happened! Cheers from the back of the crowd! She had come through the back entrance, throwing off everyone. Miles was waiting for her at the front entrance to Powell's and that is when this happened....
To Be Continued...
As mentioned previously, by the time my Big Kid and I had returned from our little lunch, the line had started to take shape. I called Kaye (the nice lady that watched my place in a non-existent line earlier in the day so that I could potty!) and told her that there was more than 10 people in line now. Five of those ten people was our little group! It seemed like no time at all until the line had outgrown the tape that was on the floor.
We sat and talked and watched the line. And then I decided that as it was nearing 4pm, it was time for Starbucks! My big kid and I took a journey down to the other end of the mall for our necessary poison of choice, Big kid: a hot chocolate, mine: a mocha frappuccino, MK's: some crazy concoction that I had to repeat the whole time I walked down there so as to not forget. We were caffeinated and happy. And that line it was a-growin!
Have you ever seen such a happy Big Kid? A 6 year old girl that had been waiting and sitting since 10 am and it was near 4 o'clock? Seriously! This is one amazing girl!
At 4:30, as promised, it was ticket time! Sure, there were jokes about some crazy lady and her daughter that showed up at 10 am to wait for a book signing that was not scheduled to start until 6 pm, tickets to not be handed out until just before. Jokes about how they should be sent to the back of the line that was now near 250 people long. Oh they joke. But let's see who's laughing now?
That would be us! This is my lovely group that was finally seated in proper chairs just in front of the podium where Ree would be in a few short hours! Front Row Baby!
See that girl? The Big Kid with the amazing smile on her face and still posing at nearly 5 o' clock? After 7 count them SEVEN hours, yes I said HOURS of waiting. Goodness, this girl really loves her some PW!
This is the Big Kid and her Golden Ticket. Ticket Number 1 or in this case 690020 (she still has it!). It was the consensus among the group that after such a long wait, the Big Kid would get her own ticket to get her book signed. It was also the consensus that she would get THE ticket! The very first one! And boy, oh boy, did that ever lift her spirits and make her heart sing in joy! She was ready! Ready to give Ree this (and those clips she was holding in the previous photo):
While we were waiting, Miles (the employee in charge of the tickets and set up) was overly astonished by the number of people that showed up (and continued to show up!). He had said that the employees were taking bets in the back and that the high bet was 250 people would attend. That was laughable since he had already given out nearly 350 tickets. He stopped giving out tickets and said that there was going to be a "will call" time at the end for those without tickets. I was sure glad that we didn't fall into that category! He had tried to joke that Ree's plane was delayed. We all put him in check rather quickly. Being a blogger, Ree had already posted that she was, in fact, in Portland, and not leaving her bathrobe or her hotel room until it was time to go to the book signing. These are just things that we know.
During his preparations, Miles said that he needed to set the microphone height and asked us if anyone had a clue as to how tall Ree was. About 20 people shouted, "Five Foot Nine!" Again, Miles was astonished. I guess he just didn't understand how this blogging thing really works. He asked if anyone was close to her height and MK suggested I go up there! ME! Set the Microphone stand height for Ree! WOW! Well I took my Five Foot Eight self up there. And then stood on my very highest tippy toes, as we all knew that Ree would NOT be wearing flats!
We continued to sit and wait, the Big Kid and I doing a count down. She took turns asking me and MK when it was going to be 6 o' clock. And 6 o' clock came and went. Miles announced that Ree was running late. He joked that her limo broke down and she would be arriving by helicopter. The Big Kid thought that was amazing, she got even more excited!
And then it happened! Cheers from the back of the crowd! She had come through the back entrance, throwing off everyone. Miles was waiting for her at the front entrance to Powell's and that is when this happened....
To Be Continued...
Sunday, April 25, 2010
A True Story, part one
On Monday, April 19, 2010 my Big Kid and I embarked on a journey of epic proportions. We set out early in the morning (yes 9 am is early!) after my lovely Uncle arrived to watch Little Red and the Tank for me. As much as I wished that I could at least have taken Little Red (cuz Ree would LOVE her!), I knew in my heart that this was one journey that she was just not up to. The Big Kid and I loaded into the car equipped with snacks and activities to last all day, sweaters and coats in case it got cold, and our books to be signed. We were ready! Until the gas gauge laughed at me. So very rude. Almost ready. A stop for some much needed coffee and muffins. A stop to fill up the car with gas. We were ready!
We arrived at Powell's Bookstore in Beaverton (Oregon) at around 10 am. Nervous and excited, the big kid and I gathered our worldly possessions. After reading about the Seattle book signing (and how late into the night it went) I was certain that there would already be a line formed as the store opened at 9 am. We had no idea what to expect or where we would have to wait, but we didn't care. We were ready! But there was nobody but us. The store clerks had no idea what we were doing there so early or where to put us. One person said that the line would form at the information desk and to watch it and wait. But that was not going to work for us. After a little bit of discussion, we quickly sat at the desk assuring that we would be first in line.
People walked past us and stared. One woman came by and asked me if I knew anything about the Pioneer Woman book signing. I told her all the information that I had at the time (which wasn't much) and she gave me her phone number and asked me if I could call her when there were 10-15 people in line. I assured her that I would. We were waiting on MK to come and join us. But that wouldn't be for awhile, so the Big Kid and I stayed as occupied as we could for two people sitting on the floor unable to go anywhere.
The Big Kid decided that she wanted to draw a picture of Ree for Ree. The Big Kid likes things to be perfect. She took her time and made a masterpiece!
While we waited, and waited, we talked about which recipes were our favorites and what we thought it would be like to meet Ree. My Big Kid was so excited. So unfazed by the wait time. So patient and amazing and ready! She even missed school to go on this adventure with her mommy. Weeks before, when she heard that Pioneer Woman was coming to Portland she shrieked and squealed in delight. There was no way that she was going to miss that! We declared it a holiday!
Around 1 pm Miles came in. And he started putting up signs and making arrangements for the day. He moved our line, and started putting down tape to direct other people where to line up. He didn't use near enough tape! We also learned much more about the book signing at that point. The tickets would be handed out at 4:30. At which point we would be moved to the seating area. If you have the first tickets, you would get the first seats. (Lucky us! As we were first in line!) After a brief Q&A by Ree, ticket numbers would be called in groups of 10 to get their books signed. Seemed easy enough to me!
My Big Kid and I were lucky when MK arrived and gave us a little break, and a chance to go get something to eat. You can only last on muffins, crackers, dry cereal, and fruit for so long before you need real food! By the time we got back from eating our lunch the line was really starting to take shape. And another friend had arrived to wait with us! That Big Kid was more excited than ever!
Many people thought we were so looney for arriving at 10 am and waiting all day. But the way that I put it was, we could wait all day, 10 am to 6 pm was nothing. But 4 pm to 11 pm wasn't going to work for us. And I knew that the turn out was going to be a very, very large one!
To Be Continued...
We arrived at Powell's Bookstore in Beaverton (Oregon) at around 10 am. Nervous and excited, the big kid and I gathered our worldly possessions. After reading about the Seattle book signing (and how late into the night it went) I was certain that there would already be a line formed as the store opened at 9 am. We had no idea what to expect or where we would have to wait, but we didn't care. We were ready! But there was nobody but us. The store clerks had no idea what we were doing there so early or where to put us. One person said that the line would form at the information desk and to watch it and wait. But that was not going to work for us. After a little bit of discussion, we quickly sat at the desk assuring that we would be first in line.
People walked past us and stared. One woman came by and asked me if I knew anything about the Pioneer Woman book signing. I told her all the information that I had at the time (which wasn't much) and she gave me her phone number and asked me if I could call her when there were 10-15 people in line. I assured her that I would. We were waiting on MK to come and join us. But that wouldn't be for awhile, so the Big Kid and I stayed as occupied as we could for two people sitting on the floor unable to go anywhere.
The Big Kid decided that she wanted to draw a picture of Ree for Ree. The Big Kid likes things to be perfect. She took her time and made a masterpiece!
While we waited, and waited, we talked about which recipes were our favorites and what we thought it would be like to meet Ree. My Big Kid was so excited. So unfazed by the wait time. So patient and amazing and ready! She even missed school to go on this adventure with her mommy. Weeks before, when she heard that Pioneer Woman was coming to Portland she shrieked and squealed in delight. There was no way that she was going to miss that! We declared it a holiday!
Around 1 pm Miles came in. And he started putting up signs and making arrangements for the day. He moved our line, and started putting down tape to direct other people where to line up. He didn't use near enough tape! We also learned much more about the book signing at that point. The tickets would be handed out at 4:30. At which point we would be moved to the seating area. If you have the first tickets, you would get the first seats. (Lucky us! As we were first in line!) After a brief Q&A by Ree, ticket numbers would be called in groups of 10 to get their books signed. Seemed easy enough to me!
My Big Kid and I were lucky when MK arrived and gave us a little break, and a chance to go get something to eat. You can only last on muffins, crackers, dry cereal, and fruit for so long before you need real food! By the time we got back from eating our lunch the line was really starting to take shape. And another friend had arrived to wait with us! That Big Kid was more excited than ever!
Many people thought we were so looney for arriving at 10 am and waiting all day. But the way that I put it was, we could wait all day, 10 am to 6 pm was nothing. But 4 pm to 11 pm wasn't going to work for us. And I knew that the turn out was going to be a very, very large one!
To Be Continued...
Follow Through
It has been forever since I have posted anything new. And before I fill you in on our adventures (and boy have we had some adventures!), I will begin with a promise. When I started this here little blog, I promised you one of my fave, easy, inexpensive, and pretty fantastic pantry meals. And here it is!!
Chili Cornbread Bake
So simple, one skillet. Versatile. CHEAP! This meal honestly comes in at about five bucks. It is an easy, "Oh Crap! I didn't plan anything for dinner!" meal, provided that you remember to keep your pantry stocked.
I like to use a green bell pepper and some chopped onion. Now, if you have no idea how to chop an onion or a bell pepper, then you best be heading over here. Ree (yeah we are totally on a first name basis now, more on that later!) has some great tutorials on some basic stuff that we could all use a new perspective on.
Time to gather up our items! You will need the cored and diced bell pepper and about 1/2 cup diced onion. If you don't have these on hand, or don't like them, Don't Use Them! See how versatile this is already? You will also need 3/4 - 1 pound of ground beef (or turkey if you are funny that way), 1 - 15.5 oz can of chili beans (which is pinto beans in a sauce), 1 - 8.5 oz box of corn muffin mix (yeah that jiffy stuff! Remember when it was only 25 cents a box? Well it isn't anymore, but it is still pretty dang cheap.), 2 eggs, oh and 1/4 cup of water.
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.
Grab your favorite trusty (maybe slightly rusty) cast iron skillet, look the other way and put a tablespoon of butter. Look back and add about a tablespoon of olive oil.
Heaven in a pan!
Toss in your veggies if using. If you aren't using them, then there isn't even really a need for the butter and oil step, Duh!
Cook these on up for about five minutes until they look all lovely and make your heart sing. And then take this:
What? You don't take silly pictures with your ground beef as the middle of a sunflower? No? Okay, moving on.
Throw your ground beef (or turkey if you are a sissy) into the skillet, add a little kosher salt and some freshly ground black pepper (because that's how I roll) and cook until browned and lovely. Remember to break apart as you are cooking, we like it smooth.
When its all good and cooked, add the beans. Stir and cook a few minutes to heat them all the way through.
Remove the skillet from the heat, or if you are lazy like me, just turn it off the heat and move quickly. Add 2 Tablespoons of the dry corn muffin mix to the bean/beef mixture and stir it around.
The muffin mix thickens the meat mixture and makes it look all sorts of lovely. See?
Dump the remaining corn muffin mix into a bowl, add the 2 eggs and 1/4 cup of water and mix to combine. Slowly, pour the muffin mix over the chili mixture in the skillet trying your best to cover it all. I know you can do it! And then add a twist or six of black pepper because it looks pretty that way! Oh and I love pepper. Pepper can do no wrong. It's true.
Bake in your (preheated) 400 degree oven for 20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and firm to the touch. You know, like cornbread-ish.
Now, don't get me wrong this dish is amazingly simple and delicious all on it's own. I mean look at this (slightly blurry picture):
But my Big Kid likes to dress things up. It started with cheese, and evolved to include sour cream. And the Side O Beef? Well, he likes it with a good dose of Tapatio. And we all know that I generally take my advice from them.
Are you hungry now? Well not if you are my crazy Little Red. Then you balk in disgust and say, "NO LIKE!" in your most furious tone. And then you eat this:
Yup, Ramen noodles. If it wasn't for them, she very well might starve.
Happy Eating Homies!
Chili Cornbread Bake
So simple, one skillet. Versatile. CHEAP! This meal honestly comes in at about five bucks. It is an easy, "Oh Crap! I didn't plan anything for dinner!" meal, provided that you remember to keep your pantry stocked.
I like to use a green bell pepper and some chopped onion. Now, if you have no idea how to chop an onion or a bell pepper, then you best be heading over here. Ree (yeah we are totally on a first name basis now, more on that later!) has some great tutorials on some basic stuff that we could all use a new perspective on.
Time to gather up our items! You will need the cored and diced bell pepper and about 1/2 cup diced onion. If you don't have these on hand, or don't like them, Don't Use Them! See how versatile this is already? You will also need 3/4 - 1 pound of ground beef (or turkey if you are funny that way), 1 - 15.5 oz can of chili beans (which is pinto beans in a sauce), 1 - 8.5 oz box of corn muffin mix (yeah that jiffy stuff! Remember when it was only 25 cents a box? Well it isn't anymore, but it is still pretty dang cheap.), 2 eggs, oh and 1/4 cup of water.
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.
Grab your favorite trusty (maybe slightly rusty) cast iron skillet, look the other way and put a tablespoon of butter. Look back and add about a tablespoon of olive oil.
Heaven in a pan!
Toss in your veggies if using. If you aren't using them, then there isn't even really a need for the butter and oil step, Duh!
Cook these on up for about five minutes until they look all lovely and make your heart sing. And then take this:
What? You don't take silly pictures with your ground beef as the middle of a sunflower? No? Okay, moving on.
Throw your ground beef (or turkey if you are a sissy) into the skillet, add a little kosher salt and some freshly ground black pepper (because that's how I roll) and cook until browned and lovely. Remember to break apart as you are cooking, we like it smooth.
When its all good and cooked, add the beans. Stir and cook a few minutes to heat them all the way through.
Remove the skillet from the heat, or if you are lazy like me, just turn it off the heat and move quickly. Add 2 Tablespoons of the dry corn muffin mix to the bean/beef mixture and stir it around.
The muffin mix thickens the meat mixture and makes it look all sorts of lovely. See?
Dump the remaining corn muffin mix into a bowl, add the 2 eggs and 1/4 cup of water and mix to combine. Slowly, pour the muffin mix over the chili mixture in the skillet trying your best to cover it all. I know you can do it! And then add a twist or six of black pepper because it looks pretty that way! Oh and I love pepper. Pepper can do no wrong. It's true.
Bake in your (preheated) 400 degree oven for 20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and firm to the touch. You know, like cornbread-ish.
Now, don't get me wrong this dish is amazingly simple and delicious all on it's own. I mean look at this (slightly blurry picture):
But my Big Kid likes to dress things up. It started with cheese, and evolved to include sour cream. And the Side O Beef? Well, he likes it with a good dose of Tapatio. And we all know that I generally take my advice from them.
Are you hungry now? Well not if you are my crazy Little Red. Then you balk in disgust and say, "NO LIKE!" in your most furious tone. And then you eat this:
Yup, Ramen noodles. If it wasn't for them, she very well might starve.
Happy Eating Homies!
Friday, April 9, 2010
Seriously.
Now you didn't really think that all I do with my time is coupon and grocery shop, did you? Oh. Well I don't. This is really what has been keeping me busy. This girl.
Ballet. It is her life's passion (for now). She once came to me crying. I stared bewildered at my Big Kid wondering what could have her in such a funk. She began to explain through the tears and sobs, "I am sad because when I am big like you, I wont be able to do ballet anymore." Seriously! She was that upset because she thought she would have to give up her passion. She is constantly talking about when she becomes one of the "big girls" that she will get Pointe Shoes too!
So last week, she had two ballet classes instead of one. Her regular day is Tuesday, but because there were Performance Awards they held an extra practice. (Performance Awards are a special thing. The ballet students practice and learn special dances that they perform in front of a judge that has been flown out from New York! Two of her dances she did with a partner and one solo.) So, on Tuesday night it was announced that there would be an extra class Wednesday. I was considering taking her (even though it was an extra $10) because she was rushing her dance a little and not listening to the music for her cues, but I didnt want to pressure her. I talked to the Side o Beef about her going on Wednesday night to get in some more practice. He said it was best not to make the Performance Awards too big of a deal and maybe just practice at home. I agreed, as that was part of the reason I didnt want to take her. So Wednesday came, and somehow she had gotten it in her mind that she was going. She cried when I told her that I didnt think she would be going. The girl cried because I wasnt going to "let" her go to ballet! I asked the SoB again and he said that now if we didnt let her go we were taking all the fun out of it. So off to Ballet we went, again. And she was excited and happy!
Saturday came quickly. We took Little Red and The Tank to Grandma's house, so as to not repeat last year's experience (it was miserable, lets just leave it at that). And we went to watch our girl. She did amazing! She remembered to listen to the music and not rush. She didnt kick too high. All the things we learned on Wednesday, were paying off! I have no photos of her performing as I was running the video camera (which I let at my Mother in Laws house). So here is a picture of my Big Kid getting her medal.
Yup, its Bronze. Last year she got Silver. And while I felt that she deserved a Silver again, she got Bronze With Distinction (which is like a bronze plus basically). She didnt care. She was just happy to have a medal and look it's a different color from what she got last year! "Maybe next year I can get the gold one!" Said my Big Kid with such excitement and amazement.
I mean, Seriously! Look at how proud that girl is! And she should be. She tried her best and did really well. She said herself after her performance that she did her best and was proud that she tried so hard. She is such an amazing Big Kid!
Mostly, she just loved watching everyone else getting their medals and certificates. She looked at them and watched with amazement and wonder. She cheered her little heart out for all of the ballerinas, big and small. Ballet is her Passion. Seriously!
Peace Out Homies!
Ballet. It is her life's passion (for now). She once came to me crying. I stared bewildered at my Big Kid wondering what could have her in such a funk. She began to explain through the tears and sobs, "I am sad because when I am big like you, I wont be able to do ballet anymore." Seriously! She was that upset because she thought she would have to give up her passion. She is constantly talking about when she becomes one of the "big girls" that she will get Pointe Shoes too!
So last week, she had two ballet classes instead of one. Her regular day is Tuesday, but because there were Performance Awards they held an extra practice. (Performance Awards are a special thing. The ballet students practice and learn special dances that they perform in front of a judge that has been flown out from New York! Two of her dances she did with a partner and one solo.) So, on Tuesday night it was announced that there would be an extra class Wednesday. I was considering taking her (even though it was an extra $10) because she was rushing her dance a little and not listening to the music for her cues, but I didnt want to pressure her. I talked to the Side o Beef about her going on Wednesday night to get in some more practice. He said it was best not to make the Performance Awards too big of a deal and maybe just practice at home. I agreed, as that was part of the reason I didnt want to take her. So Wednesday came, and somehow she had gotten it in her mind that she was going. She cried when I told her that I didnt think she would be going. The girl cried because I wasnt going to "let" her go to ballet! I asked the SoB again and he said that now if we didnt let her go we were taking all the fun out of it. So off to Ballet we went, again. And she was excited and happy!
Saturday came quickly. We took Little Red and The Tank to Grandma's house, so as to not repeat last year's experience (it was miserable, lets just leave it at that). And we went to watch our girl. She did amazing! She remembered to listen to the music and not rush. She didnt kick too high. All the things we learned on Wednesday, were paying off! I have no photos of her performing as I was running the video camera (which I let at my Mother in Laws house). So here is a picture of my Big Kid getting her medal.
Yup, its Bronze. Last year she got Silver. And while I felt that she deserved a Silver again, she got Bronze With Distinction (which is like a bronze plus basically). She didnt care. She was just happy to have a medal and look it's a different color from what she got last year! "Maybe next year I can get the gold one!" Said my Big Kid with such excitement and amazement.
I mean, Seriously! Look at how proud that girl is! And she should be. She tried her best and did really well. She said herself after her performance that she did her best and was proud that she tried so hard. She is such an amazing Big Kid!
Mostly, she just loved watching everyone else getting their medals and certificates. She looked at them and watched with amazement and wonder. She cheered her little heart out for all of the ballerinas, big and small. Ballet is her Passion. Seriously!
Peace Out Homies!
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